Modeling stories for conceptual model assessment

Abstract

Conceptual modeling is a challenging activity and assessing the quality of conceptual models is key to ensure that they may be used effectively as a basis for understanding, agreement and construction of information systems. Stories have always been used as means of communicating complex affairs and we argue that they may be used effectively to assess models and reveal modeling decisions to those that cannot understand the modeling language. This paper proposes an approach to assess conceptual models by creating narratives about a subject domain. These narratives employ concepts of the conceptual model and are formalized as abstract stories. These stories guide model simulation, supporting the validation of the conceptual model. Contrasting simulation with the intended conceptualization is the basis for model assessment.